Local News
Arrowhead population goes down but Cook County bucks trend
-Minnesota’s population has grown by just over 6 percent so far this decade, while six of the seven Northeast counties have declined by roughly that same amount. Cook County is the exception, with a population growth of about 5 percent in the last decade.
City adopts 2010 budget with 3 percent levy increase
-Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes said she hoped to go into 2010 without a raise in taxes. However, Hakes says unallotments made by the governor totaling $31,000 along with the possibility of further cuts next year, made a 3 percent levy increase necessary.
Klobuchar sponsors bill to help keep Asian Carp out of Great Lakes
-Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has co-sponsored legislation authored by Democrat Senator Carl Levin and Republican George Voinovich to prevent the spread of Asian Carp to the Great Lakes.
H1N1 now available to all in Cook County
-H1N1 vaccination will be available to everyone on a first come first served basis Thursday and Friday. Vaccinations will be in the Sawtooth Mountain clinic patient education room, which is located in the clinic waiting area.
On Thursday Dec.10, a clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Friday Dec. 11 vaccinations are available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Industrial spill near Lake Superior at Marathon, Ontario
-A “minor” spill of industrial chemicals at Marathon, Ontario’s bankrupt pulp mill has confirmed the worst fears of municipal leaders in Canada. News of the spill was reported in the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Tuesday.
Coast Guard puts BWCAW patrol on hold
-The U.S. Coast Guard announced plans to add boundary waters lakes to its patrol area earlier this year, which made local resort owners and outfitters on border country lakes a bit nervous. Such a move would require additional licensing and add costs to doing business.
Playhouse presents Cinderella
-Fairytales really do come true…or at least they will this weekend at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. The Grand Marais Playhouse is presenting a special production of Cinderella starring local young people.
City breathes easier with further state cuts off table in 2009
-Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will not unallot December local government aid payments, he said in a letter sent Tuesday afternoon to city and county leaders. He said his administration intends to work with the Legislature “to formulate budget cuts that can be promptly enacted when the Legislature convenes in February.”
Federal fire grant program may continue
-The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act recently passed the U.S. House with strong bipartisan support. The bill extends two grant programs that help fire departments pay for training, equipment, vehicles, and personnel.
City park board sets 2010 rates
-Members of the Grand Marais Parks and Recreation Board met on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and to set park fees and camping rates for next year. Daily rates throughout the Rec Park for 2010 will see little change from 2009.